For as long as I can remember, studying medical laboratory science was my only dream. Throughout high school, I eagerly awaited the day I would finish secondary studies and begin my professional course in medical laboratory science. I couldn’t wait to experience medical school, meet new individuals, discover fascinating things and participate in any activity that would be held in the college or by the medical laboratory faculty.

I can still recall the excitement of receiving my offer letter from the Fiji National University’s (FNU) College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences (CMNHS) in 2020.

After admission, orientation and hostel arrangements were completed, my tertiary journey began and I enjoyed my classes and colleagues, who were entertaining, kind and packed with curiosity.

The lecturers taught in a cheerful and approachable manner, which made us attend their classes with enthusiasm. We also had lab classes once a week and the students were divided into two groups to ensure maximum interaction between the lecturer and students.

On March 19, 2020, I watched as the pandemic led to the closure of all universities, businesses and leaving many unemployed. Classes switched to online mode, making it difficult for me to cope with the daily requirements. However, I managed to complete Semester 1 with remarkable grades due to the support of my family, lecturers and support services at FNU.

FNU’s flexible mode of online learning made it easier for me to study from the comfort of my home.

Then came Semester 2, which progressed well. Face-to-face classes and lab classes resumed, and the final endpoint exam was also a written paper and it was a great experience.

Overall, the 2020 academic year was a successful one filled with learning, laughter and so many memories were generated.

Like many others, I began the 2021 academic year with high hopes and enthusiasm. However, it was not long before we were faced with the second wave of COVID-19 and the closures it brought.

Having said this, I believe that FNU will continue to support its students in this time of need and devise alternatives that will help students to produce greater academic achievements. FNU has collaborated with other associations and has already put forwarded many services to ease the burden on students in terms of accessing student information, payment of fees, and counselling services, to name a few.

Therefore, we should appreciate FNU’s efforts, together with the Tertiary Scholarship and Loans Scheme (TSLB) in supporting students during this time.

An important message I would like to share with students is ”We can and will learn from anything. As a result, we will always be learning no matter where we are, what we’re doing or how difficult the situation is”.

Let’s support each other during this time and together, we will achieve it.

Kristika Vandhana Samy
Year 2 student
Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science
CMNHS